Prabhamandala
Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese or Tibetan
Geography:
Made in Nepal, Asia
or Tibet, Asia
Date:
16th - 17th centuryMedium:
Mercury-gilded copper alloy with red paintDimensions:
14 × 12 3/16 × 2 1/4 inches (35.6 × 31 × 5.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1927-18-17bCredit Line:
Gift of Mrs. J. Norman Henry, 1927
Made in Nepal, Asia
or Tibet, Asia
Date:
16th - 17th centuryMedium:
Mercury-gilded copper alloy with red paintDimensions:
14 × 12 3/16 × 2 1/4 inches (35.6 × 31 × 5.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1927-18-17bCredit Line:
Gift of Mrs. J. Norman Henry, 1927
Social Tags [?]
buddhist [x] fire [x] garuda [x] late malla [x] nepalese [x] newar [x] sculpture [x]A prabhamandala is an ornament commonly placed behind statues to indicate their hallowed status. The ornate punchwork, use of repoussé, characteristic scrollwork, and telltale red paint in this example suggest that Newar craftsmen made it for a Newar or Tibetan patron. As is typical, the embellishment flickers with curls that may be flames or foliage, and houses a fantastic zoo. At the top a mythical garuda bird grasps serpentine water-wealth deities called naga-one male, one female. Two elephantine makara figures roar above flying horned hippogriffs that are ridden by small spirits. At the bottom two tiny elephants shoulder lotuses that support two divine attendants.